Tongue Tie and Lip Tie Solutions
What are TOTs?
Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs) are tight muscle attachments that restrict the lips, cheeks or tongue from their ideal function. TOTs present in two basic forms…
tongue-tie
Ankyloglossia, or tongue-tie, is the restriction of tongue movement as a result of fusion or adherence of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. A tongue-tie is therefore caused by a frenum that is abnormally short or attached too close to the tip of the tongue.
lip-tie
A lip-tie occurs when the upper lip remains attached to the upper gum. It can lead to problems with speech and eating habits, jaw pain and protusion, clicking jaws, difficulty kissing, licking lollipops or ice cream, a gap between teeth, pain with breastfeeding, and other oral health issues.
Common Problems caused by TOTs
infants
- Difficulty latching during breastfeeding
- Trouble sucking and swallowing
children
- Speech and eating difficulties
- Trouble sleeping
Our Collaborative Approach
We use a collaborative approach and work with Lactation Consultants, Infant and Child Feeding Specialists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, and Oralfacial Myologists to deliver personalized and effective solutions.
What YouCan Expect
At your child's first appointment, Dr. Maria conducts a head-to-toe screening to determine if there is a measurable benefit to treatment for both mom and baby. Infancy is only for a short time, and this thorough consultation ensures that the procedure, healing time, and outcome are worthwhile.
We perform the tie release procedure with a precision laser.
We perform the tie release procedure with a precision laser.
One-day after treatment
Unique to our approach, we’ll assess the wound on the day after treatment to ensure all is progressing well.
One-week after treatment
We’ll assess your child for any necessary intervention for better results. With Dr. Maria’s extensive experience and expertise, she can predict the outcome at this early stage as sometimes the frenum reattaches.
One-year after treatment
We’ll assess your child’s oral health situation as sometimes infants who need a frenectomy can require other interventions like orthodontics as they grow.
To ensure the best results long-term, we follow a “therapy first” philosophy and work with a wide network of occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech and language pathologists, and orofacial myologists to provide evidence-based, collaborative care.
We have an in-house Lactation Consultant and Myofunctional Therapist so we do not have to send you to a second office for specialty treatment.
Why Choose
Dr. Maria
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
Expertise in lactation & infant oral health
Instructor at Temple University’s Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry
Innovative Laser Treatment
Modern technology allows us to use highly precise laser treatments to treat common issues in children including breastfeeding difficulties, lip and tongue restrictions, and other concerns related to speech or long-term oral health.
lightscalpel laser
All frenectomy procedures are completed using a precision Lightscalpel laser. This laser does not emit heat or water and cauterizes as it works. As a result, there is minimal trauma, bleeding, and scar tissue.
Benefits of Treatment
helping infants
An infant’s struggle with breastfeeding can often be solved by a lactation consultant or bodyworker helping with posture and latching. However, there are cases when a baby’s lip or tongue are tethered in a way that makes nursing painful or ineffective. In these instances, a release (Frenectomy) of their lip or tongue attachment (frenum) may be necessary.
helping mothers
A frenectomy can help mothers restore joy to breastfeeding, relieve pain, regain healthy nipples and breasts, stimulate milk production by adequate stimulation, encourage bonding with her baby, and ensure adequate feeding and growth of the baby.
long-term growth and development
Laser frenectomy treatment creates normal tongue function. This proper function promotes normal speech development, makes it possible for a child to self-cleanse the mouth during eating, allows adequate swallowing patterns, allows for proper growth and development, and it makes fun little things like eating ice cream, kissing or sticking your tongue out to catch snowflakes possible.
Post-Operative Therapy
Thanks to Dr. Maria’s clinical expertise and the advancements of modern lasers, children typically heal quickly with minimal pain or discomfort. Before treatment, we will gladly answer any questions you may have. Following treatment, we will provide you with an informational sheet regarding post-operative care including managing discomfort, exercises, and other essential information.
insurance
Though we accept dental insurance, frenectomy treatment is often covered under medical insurance. We will assist you with information for medical billing.Lightscalpel Laser
We Can't Wait To Meet You & Your Child
We look forward to meeting you. Call (267) 507-1064 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. For questions or more information, feel free to reach us at hello@phillypediatricdental.com.
